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St. Eligius, bishop of Noyon (660) Commemorated on December 1 He was born to a Christian family near Limoges in Gaul
(modern-day France) in 588. He became a goldsmith, worked for the royal mint,
and in time became a trusted counselor of King Chlothar II. Despite (or because
of) the honors and riches that surrounded him, Eligius came to despise all of
them and gave away all his property but what he considered essential for
everyday life. He devoted all his income to almsgiving and to ransoming
prisoners of all nationalities from the slave markets. Many of these became his
attendants and disciples in gratitude. Eligius' compassion became so well-known
that when visitors asked for directions to his house, they would be told 'Look
for the house surrounded by a crowd of beggars. That is where Lord Eligius
lives.' The Saint washed the feet of the poor who came to him, served them at
his own table and fed himself on what they left. If he ran out of money, he
would give away furniture or even his clothing. |
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